Changes to advisory groups

Published on 14 July 2025

We have decided to restructure our advisory groups to enhance community engagement on access and inclusion issues. 

This decision was made during a recent Community Development Committee meeting and follows a comprehensive review.

Formation of Accessibility Advisory Group

The Positive Ageing Advisory Group and Disability Advisory Group will be disestablished, and a new Accessibility Advisory Group will be set up. 

The Youth Advisory Group will remain, ensuring youth voices are still heard.

Community Development Manager Jacki Cooper says the change aims to provide better outcomes for people with access needs in our plans and projects. 

“Having a unified voice on accessibility issues will strengthen the advice given to Council,” she says.

“The changes will reduce duplication, improve programme structure and quality, and allow us to invest in better feedback systems, more training for members, and better collaboration with Elected Members for informed decision-making.”

Next steps

In August 2025, Council will host an event to thank all current advisory group members. 

Recruitment for the new Accessibility Advisory Group will begin in October 2025, with induction in February 2026 and the first meeting in March 2026.